Samsung Series 9 T27A950 review

A do-it-all screen for 3D film fans

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Our Verdict

For

Even LED backlighting

3D capable

Integrated Freeview HD tuner

One pair of 3D spex included

Against

No integrated Wi-Fi

No card slot

Smart TV seems redundant on a monitor

Samsung's Series 9 T27A950 drew big crowds when it was first unveiled at the 2011 CES. A hybrid 27-inch Freeview HD 3D TV and PC monitor, it's a leading-edge screen for your desktop that offers all the functions of the brand's high-end LED TVs.

The design is inspired, with a panel that's effectively suspended above its pedestal via a swooping right-hand bracket. This tilts backwards for a relaxed viewing position.

Slimline 7W stereo speakers fire forwards from the front of the super-thin pedestal, while inputs are ranged along the rear.

Just as on the brand's regular TVs, the TA950 sports Samsung's Smart Hub apps and IPTV portal, home to the BBC iPlayer YouTube, LOVEFiLM and the new and exclusive Explore 3D content channel.

The set uses LED backlighting, which runs up the left and right sides of the panel. Although edge lit the backlight is very even – a benefit of the smallish screen size.

A sub-32-inch screen may seem inappropriate for 3D, but the fact that you'll be sitting close to the monitor contributes greatly to the sense of immersion. The smaller screen size also helps minimise crosstalk. One pair of 3D spex is included.

However, Wi-Fi isn't integrated; you'll need to use a Samsung dongle which will cost extra.

The significance of the Smart Hub IPTV portal is reduced. As a monitor, all this content will be accessible via your connected PC anyway. The screen can also stream media across your network, although this function is also likely to be bettered by a connected PC.